Accessory mounting device

ABSTRACT

An accessory mounting device includes a main body portion configured to connect around a bar or similar in use, and a pair of mounting grips configured to movably connect to the main body from a first position against the body and a second position away from the main body portion, the grips in the second position configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory in position on the mounting device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 17/233,651 filed on Apr. 19, 2021, the contents of which areincorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory mounting device for abicycle or similar. More particularly, the present invention relates toan accessory mounting device that connects to a set of handlebars orstem to allow secondary accessories to be mounted on the handlebars orstem via the mounting device.

BACKGROUND

It is common for riders of bicycles, motorcycles and scooters andsimilar vehicles to own and use a range of secondary items that do notcome built into their vehicle. For example, very few makes of bicyclecome with built-in lights as standard, and a rider will normally buy aset from a third-party supplier and detachably mount them on the bicycleas required, a normal mounting location for the front light being thebicycle handlebars.

Other items are frequently mounted in the same or a similar manner asrequired or desired by the user—for example they may mount GPS units,mobile devices such as mobile phones or pads or similar, or similar onthe handlebars.

While it is common for items such as bicycle lights to contain their ownmounting mechanisms such as integral straps or similar, other items suchas GPS units, cameras or mobile devices usually require a separatemounting device. This separate mounting device attaches to thehandlebars, with the mobile device, GPS or other accessory then beingconnected to the mounting device.

Examples of known types of handlebar mounting devices are shown in FIGS.1 and 2 .

In this specification where reference has been made to patentspecifications, other external documents, or other sources ofinformation, this is generally for the purpose of providing a contextfor discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically statedotherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construedas an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, inany jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common generalknowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessorymounting device which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioneddisadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with auseful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicativeindependent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. Wheninterpreting each statement in this specification and indicativeindependent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features otherthan that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Relatedterms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in thesame manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singularforms of the noun.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be saidto consist in an accessory mounting device, comprising: a main bodyportion configured to connect around a bar or similar in use; a pair ofmounting grips configured to movably connect to the main body portionfrom a first position substantially against the body, and a secondposition away from the main body portion, the grips in the secondposition configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory in positionon the handlebar mounting device.

In an embodiment, the main body portion and mounting grips areconfigured so that in the first position the mounting grips fit snuglyagainst the main body portion.

In an embodiment, the main body portion and mounting grips areconfigured to fold together to form a compact ring-shaped unit.

In an embodiment, the accessory mounting further comprises a centralelastomer/plastic shim, the main body portion locating around the shimin use, the shim comprising at least one rib on the outer surface of theshim, aligned around at least part of the circumference of the shim, themain body portion further having at least one channel on the innersurface corresponding to the at least one rib, the rib locating thereinin use.

In an embodiment, the shim and main body portion are configured so thatthe shim can be removed and replaced.

In an embodiment, the shim has an internal diameter of substantially 22mm.

In an embodiment, the shim has an internal diameter of substantially25-26 mm.

In an embodiment, the shim has an internal diameter of substantially31-32 mm.

In an embodiment, the shim is formed from an elastomer or plastic havinga shore hardness of substantially 40.

In an embodiment, the mounting grips further comprise extension slidersconfigured to slide into and out of the main body portion on opposedsides, the sliders substantially fully retracting inside the body in thefirst position.

In an embodiment, the accessory mounting device further comprises gripsprings configured to bias the mounting grips inwards.

In an embodiment, the extension sliders comprise inwardly extendingspines, interlacing within the main body portion in the first position.

In an embodiment, the accessory mounting device further comprisescompression springs located within the main body portion and aligned inparallel with the extension sliders, the compression springs configuredto inwardly bias the spines towards the first position.

In an embodiment, each of the mounting grips comprises a generallyspade-shaped inwardly-curving plate.

In an embodiment, the main body portion comprises a connecting portionand a rotating portion, the mounting grips mounted on the rotatingportion, the connecting portion and a rotating portion rotatablerelative to one another in a flat plane in parallel with the connectionaxis of the main body portion.

In an embodiment, the rotating portion and connecting portion aremutually configured so that the rotating portion can be held relative tothe connecting portion at a first position where the bodies of themounting grips are generally aligned in parallel with the connectionaxis of the main body portion, and a second position where the bodies ofthe mounting grips are generally aligned perpendicular to the connectionaxis of the main body portion.

In an embodiment, a plurality of friction protrusions extend from theunderside of the rotating potion, and a plurality of complementaryfriction apertures are formed on the upper side of the connectingportion into which the friction protrusions fit in use, the frictionprotrusions and apertures located at intervals around the rotating andconnecting portions so that the rotating portion can rotate between atleast two set positions relative to the connecting portion.

In an embodiment, the friction protrusions and apertures are located atsubstantially 90-degree intervals around the 360-degrees of a fullcircle.

In an embodiment, each set of protrusions and apertures is alignedperpendicular to each of the edges of the rectangular underside of therotating portion and the connecting portion.

In an embodiment, the accessory mounting device further comprises acentral pin that connects the rotating potion and the connecting portionand which acts as a central axis of rotation.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts,elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification ofthe application, individually or collectively, and any or allcombinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, andwhere specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the followingdescription which is given by way of example only and with reference tothe accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by wayof example, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a known, prior art type of handlebar mount, formed as asingle rigid unit with a handlebar connector for connecting the mount toa set of handlebars at one end, and a device mount at the other end forconnecting an accessory to the mount, an elongate body connectingbetween the two end parts.

FIG. 2 shows a known, prior art type of handlebar mounting device knownas an X-mount, the ‘X’ portion of the device adjusting inwards andoutwards (the angle between the legs of the ‘X’ to grip the sides of amobile device or similar.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an accessory mounting deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a main bodyportion and a pair of mounting grips, the main body portion connectingaround a handlebar or similar to connect the mounting device to a set ofbicycle handlebars, motorcycle handlebars, or similar, the main bodyportion and grips folded together to form a compact ring-shaped unit.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from the same angle as FIG. 3 of theembodiment of the accessory mounting device, with the mounting gripsunfolded from the main body portion and moved outwards from the mainbody portion on extension sliders that allow the grips to move inwardsand outwards from the main body portion.

FIG. 5 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 , with a mobile deviceclamped between the open and extended mounting grips.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of the accessory mountingdevice from the same angle as FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , showing detail of themain body portion, a shim that locates into the central aperture of themain body portion, and the grips and extension sliders.

FIG. 7 shows detail of the interior of the upper and lower main bodyportions.

FIG. 8 shows detail of coil/torsion springs located on the accessorymounting device, arranged so that the mounting grips are biased inwards.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show perspective views from above and to one side of asecond embodiment of the accessory mounting device, comprising a mainbody portion and a pair of mounting grips, the main body portionconnecting around a handlebar or similar to connect the mounting deviceto a set of bicycle handlebars, motorcycle handlebars, or similar, themain body portion and grips folded together to form a compactring-shaped unit, the main body portion having a connecting portion anda rotating portion to which the mounting grips are connected, and whichallows the mounting grips to be rotated around the connecting portion,the rotating portion shown in a first position where the bodies of themounting grips are generally aligned in parallel with the axis of thehandlebars in FIG. 9 a , and in a second position where the bodies ofthe mounting grips are generally aligned perpendicular to the axis ofthe handlebars in FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view from one side and above ofthe second embodiment of the accessory mounting device, showing detailof a rotation mechanism that allows the rotating portion to rotatebetween the first and second positions.

FIG. 11 shows a cutaway side view of the second embodiment of theaccessory mounting device

FIG. 12 shows a partial exploded view from underneath and to one side ofthe second embodiment of the accessory mounting device, showing detailof the underside of the rotating portion, having locators to ensure thatthe rotating portion will remain in the first or second position until arotational force is applied to move it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the Figures.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the accessory mounting device 1 is shown in FIGS.3 to 8 .

The mounting device 1 comprises a main body portion 2 and a pair ofmounting grips 3 a, 3 b. As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body portion 2connects around a handlebar or similar item such as the bicycle stem toconnect the mounting device 1 to a set of bicycle handlebars, motorcyclehandlebars, or similar. When not in use holding an accessory (that is,carrying and gripping a secondary item or device such as a mobile phone,camera, or GPS unit), the main body portion 2 and grips 3 a, 3 b foldtogether to form a compact ring-shaped unit.

In this embodiment, when compacted, the mounting device 1 issubstantially toroidal or ring-shaped with a central aperture 4. Thering-shaped main body portion 2 has flattened planar sides, the plane ofthe flattened sides perpendicular to the central axis of the handlebarand the central aperture 4.

As shown in FIG. 4 , when in use (gripping and holding a mobile deviceor similar as shown in FIG. 5 ), the mounting grips 3 a, 3 b foldupwards and outwards, and are moved outwards perpendicular to the axisof the central aperture 4 on extension sliders 5, 6. The extensionsliders 5, 6 slide inwards and outwards from the main body portion 2,perpendicular to the axis of the central aperture 4. The extensionsliders and mounting grips are described in detail below.

The travel distance (the distance that the extension sliders andmounting grips move sliding inwards and outwards) allows the distancebetween the inner faces of the two mounting grips to be altered, so thatthese can in use grip the sides of a mobile device or similar as shownin FIG. 5 . The distance can be altered, with the mounting grips 3 a, 3b remaining in the position to which they are moved, and this allows thehandlebar mounting device 1 to be used with accessories/devices ofdifferent sizes or widths.

The structure of the device and it's parts will now be described in moredetail.

Main Body Portion

The main body portion 2 is generally ring-shaped when viewed from theside, with flat planar sides and an outwardly-rounded oroutwardly-curved central portion between the flat sides. The main bodyportion 2 is formed in two parts, an upper part 2 a, and a lower part 2b. The upper and lower parts 2 a, 2 b are each roughly semi-circular andare connected to form the overall ring shape via apertures on thecircumference/perimeter of the ring at each diametrically opposed side.The apertures are located at or towards the free ends of each of thesemi-circular halves. The apertures 7 on the lower part 2 b correspondwith threaded upper apertures (not shown) on the upper part 2 a, withscrews (not shown) passed into and through the apertures 7 and screwedinto the upper apertures to hold the upper and lower parts 2 a, 2 btogether.

A removable elastomer or plastic central shim 8, sized and shaped to fitinto the central aperture 4, is in use located into the central aperture4. The shim 8 has the general overall form of a cylinder, with a smoothinner surface that locates against the surface of the handlebar in use,and an outer surface having two circumferential ribs 9 running aroundthe outer perimeter, the ribs 9 located towards each end of the shim 8.These ribs 9 correspond to and in use locate into two channels 10 thatrun around the inside of the upper and lower parts 2 a, 2 b. The shim 8is formed from rubber/plastic having a shore hardness of substantially40. The shim 8 is split longitudinally, the split allowing it to bepositioned around a handlebar or similar.

In the preferred embodiment, three different sizes of shim are providedfor use: a 22 mm internal diameter shim; a 25-26 mm internal diametershim, and; a 31-32 mm internal diameter shim. Each of these alternativesize shims is also formed from elastomer/plastic, and having a shorehardness of substantially 40. The shim can be removed and replaced asnecessary, for example to change the size of the internal diameter fordifferent sizes of handlebar, or similar. The three shims are shown as 8a, 8 b, 8 c on FIG. 6 , with ribs 9 a, 9 b, 9 c.

As outlined above, the upper part 2 a has grips 3 a, 3 b mounted onextension sliders 5, 6, that slide into and out of the body of the upperpart 2 a. When the extension sliders 5, 6 are fully retracted (insidethe body 2 a), and the grips are folded down/inwards, the grips andsliders follow the outline of, and complete, the outer part of the mainbody portion 2, so that this appears substantially smoothly contoured,as a semi-toroidal ring (the central part being curved, with cut-off,flat planar sides, as outlined above).

Sliders

The sliders 5, 6 and upper part 2 a are formed so that the sliders 5, 6extend and slide into and out of the upper part 2 a on opposed sides.

The sliders are structured as follows:

Slider element 5 has a single central spine 5 a, with a pair of mountingknobs 5 b extending each side of the central spine 5 a at the outer end,so that there is a gap between the mounting knobs 5 b.

Slider element 6 comprises a pair of spaced-apart spines 6 a, 6 barranged in parallel, with a pair of mounting knobs 6 c located at theends of the spines 6 a, 6 b.

The gap between the spines 6 a, 6 b is sized and shaped so that thesingle central spine 5 a of the slider 5 can fit snugly between thespines 6 a, 6 b, so that the three slider elements are in parallel andslide past each other into and out of the upper part 2 a of the mainbody portion 2, as shown in FIG. 6 .

Each of the spines 5 a, 6 a, 6 b has the form of an inverted channel—aninverted u-channel with squared off sides. The top part of the upperpart 2 a comprises a flat surface with a number of rails or dividers 20extending upwards therefrom, with the dividers 20 aligned in parallelwith the outer side faces of the main body portion 2, and in parallelwith the direction of travel of the slider elements. The channels of thespines, and the extensions, are mutually sized so that the spines fitover and onto the extensions, the extensions acting as guide rails forthe spines. The inner or central spine 5 a fits snugly between and movesbetween the outer spines 6 a, 6 b.

As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the rails or dividers 20 form three corridorsacross the top of the upper part 2 a. Compression springs 11 are locatedwithin these channels. The compression springs create grip in thelongitudinal plane and automatically close the runners/spines.

The open top of the upper part 2 a is closed with a top cover 21.

Mounting Grips

As outlined above, the mounting grips 3 a, 3 b fold inwards andoutwards, the axis around which they rotate to fold inwards and outwardsaligned in parallel with the central aperture 4.

Each mounting grip 3 a, 3 b has the general appearance roughly of aspade or shovel, inverted so that the ‘handle’ extends downwards and thebody upwards, the body shaped to curve inwards.

The mounting grip 3 a is rotatably connected between the mountingflanges or knobs 5 b via the mounting grip handle 12, so the mountinggrip 3 a rotates inwards and outward over the top of the spine 5 a. Themounting grip 3 b is connected to the knob 6 c via the mounting griphandle 13, so the mounting grip 3 b rotates inwards and outward over thetop of the spines 6 a, 6 b.

Each mounting grip 3 a, 3 b has a rubber pad 14 or similar connected toits inner face, to provide a cushion when it abuts the edge of a mobiledevice or any similar accessory with which it is being used.

As shown in FIG. 8 , coil/torsion springs 15 are located connectingbetween the mounting grip handles and the mounting knobs, arranged sothat the mounting grips are biased inwards. This helps to increase thegrip on the side of any accessory which is being used with the mountingdevice.

Use

In use, a user will select a central shim of the correct size, andposition this around the handlebar or similar. They will then place theupper and lower parts 2 a, 2 b in position around this, and screw themtogether. The mounting grips 3 a, 3 b can then be folded outwards andmoved outwards on the sliders to the correct separation so that a mobiledevice or similar can be placed between them, the mounting grips movedinward to grip snugly on the edges of the device.

When not in use, with no accessory gripped, the mounting grips 3 a, 3 bfold inwards and slid fully inwards towards the main body portion 2, soas to minimize the volume, and to remove any elements that areprotruding and which might catch on clothing or similar.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the accessory mounting device 100 is shown inFIGS. 9 to 12 .

The sliders and mounting grips of this second embodiment are identicalto those described above for the first embodiment, and the elements onthe Figures are numbered as e.g. sliders 105, 106 or mounting grips 103a, 103 b in contrast to the sliders 5, 6 or mounting grips 3 a, 3 b ofthe first embodiment.

The main body portion 102 of the second embodiment is very similar tothat of the first embodiment. The main body portion 102 is formed in twoparts, an upper part 102 a, and a lower part 102 b. The lower part 102 bis identical to that of the first embodiment, and the two parts areconnected together in the same manner, via apertures on thecircumference/perimeter of the ring at each diametrically opposed side,located at or towards the free ends of each of the semi-circular halves.

A removable elastomer or plastic central shim 108, identical tothat/those of the first embodiment, is located into the central aperture104.

The upper part 102 a of the main body portion 102 of the secondembodiment has two parts: a connecting portion 120 and a rotatingportion 121.

The rotating portion 121 is similar to the upper part 2 a of the firstembodiment. Mounting grips 103 a, 103 b are connected in the same manneras for the first embodiment. That is, the grips 103 a, 103 b are mountedon extension sliders 105, 106, that slide into and out of the rotatingportion 121. When the sliders 105, 106 are fully retracted and the gripsare folded down/inwards, the grips and sliders follow the outline of,and complete, the outer part of the main body portion 102, so that thisappears substantially smoothly contoured, as a semi-toroidal ring (thecentral part being curved, with cut-off, flat planar sides, as outlinedabove).

However, in this embodiment, the rotating portion 121 can rotaterelative to the connecting portion 120, in a flat plane in parallel withthe axis of the central aperture 104. The rotating potion 121 can rotatefully through a 360-degree circle. However, it is most useful if therotating portion 121 is held at two positions—a first position where thebodies of the mounting grips are generally aligned in parallel with theaxis of the handlebars, as shown in FIG. 9 a , and a second positionwhere the bodies of the mounting grips are generally alignedperpendicular to the axis of the handlebars as shown in FIG. 9 b.

Connection and rotation of the rotating potion 121 and the connectingportion 120 is achieved via a central pin 130 that has an end flange 131that locates into a recess 132 in the upper surface of the connectingportion 120, the recess and flange preventing the pin from movingupwards out of the connecting portion 120. The body of the pin 130extends upwards out of the recess 132 to connect with the rotatingportion, e.g. by mutual threading or similar. The pin and recess arelocated at the center point of the rotating potion 121 and theconnecting portion 120.

The holding of the rotating portion 121 in these two positions isachieved by including friction protrusions 122 on the underside of therotating potion 121, that locate into equivalent friction apertures (notshown) on the upper side of the connecting portion 120. The fit anddimensioning of the protrusions and the apertures is sufficient so thatin normal use the connecting portion and rotating portion will be heldin position relative to one another. However, if a user grasps therotating portion and applies a rotational or twisting force (such as onemight use to undo a jar lid or similar), then the rotating portion willrotate, and ‘click’ into the next position.

The friction protrusions and apertures are located at substantially90-degree intervals around the 360-degrees of a full circle, each set ofprotrusions and apertures aligned perpendicular to each of the edges ofthe rectangular underside of the rotating portion and the connectingportion 120. Each set of protrusions comprises a pair of shortprotrusions next to one another and in parallel with one another andperpendicular to the associated edge. The apertures are complementary tothe protrusions.

The accessory mounting device 100 of the second embodiment is used in asimilar way to the first, except that a user has the option of rotatingthe device held in the mounting grips through 90-degrees or more—e.g. toadjust this from a portrait to a landscape orientation as preferred.

1. An accessory mounting device comprising: a main body portionconfigured to connect around a bar or similar in use; a pair of mountinggrips configured to movably connect to the main body portion from afirst position substantially against the main body portion, and a secondposition away from the main body portion, the mounting grips in thesecond position configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory inposition on the accessory mounting device; and the main body portion andthe mounting grips being configured to fold together to form a compactring-shaped unit.
 2. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the main body portion and mounting grips are configured so thatin the first position the mounting grips fit snugly against the mainbody portion.
 3. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a central elastomer/plastic shim, the main bodyportion locating around the shim in use, the shim comprising at leastone rib on an outer surface of the shim, aligned around at least part ofthe circumference of the shim, the main body portion further having atleast one channel on an inner surface corresponding to the at least onerib, the at least one rib locating therein in use.
 4. An accessorymounting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shim and the mainbody portion are configured so that the shim can be removed andreplaced.
 5. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe shim has an internal diameter of substantially 22 mm.
 6. Anaccessory mounting device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shim has aninternal diameter of substantially 25-26 mm.
 7. An accessory mountingdevice as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shim has an internal diameterof substantially 31-32 mm.
 8. An accessory mounting device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the shim is formed from an elastomer or plastic havinga shore hardness of substantially
 40. 9. An accessory mounting device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting grips further compriseextension sliders configured to slide into and out of the main bodyportion on opposed sides, the extension sliders substantially fullyretracting inside the main body portion in the first position.
 10. Anaccessory mounting device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising gripsprings configured to bias the mounting grips inwards.
 11. An accessorymounting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the extension sliderscomprise inwardly extending spines, interlacing within the main bodyportion in the first position.
 12. An accessory mounting device asclaimed in claim 11, further comprising compression springs locatedwithin the main body portion and aligned in parallel with the extensionsliders, the compression springs configured to inwardly bias the spinestowards the first position.
 13. An accessory mounting device as claimedin claim 1, wherein each of the mounting grips comprises a generallyspade-shaped inwardly-curving plate.
 14. An accessory mounting device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the main body portion comprises a connectingportion and a rotating portion, the mounting grips mounted on therotating portion, the connecting portion the rotating portion rotatablerelative to one another in a flat plane in parallel with a connectionaxis of the main body portion.
 15. An accessory mounting device asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the rotating portion and connecting portionare mutually configured so that the rotating portion can be heldrelative to the connecting portion at a first position where themounting grips are generally aligned in parallel with the connectionaxis of the main body portion, and a second position where the mountinggrips are generally aligned perpendicular to the connection axis of themain body portion.
 16. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim15, wherein a plurality of friction protrusions extend from theunderside of the rotating potion, and a plurality of complementaryfriction apertures are formed on the upper side of the connectingportion into which the friction protrusions fit in use, the frictionprotrusions and friction apertures located at intervals around therotating and connecting portions so that the rotating portion can rotatebetween at least two set positions relative to the connecting portion.17. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim 16, wherein thefriction protrusions and friction apertures are located at substantially90-degree intervals around the 360-degrees of a full circle.
 18. Anaccessory mounting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein each set offriction protrusions and friction apertures is aligned perpendicular toeach of edge of a rectangular underside of the rotating portion and theconnecting portion.
 19. An accessory mounting device as claimed in claim14, further comprising a central pin connecting the rotating potion andthe connecting portion and which acts as a central axis of rotation.